How to avoid employment classification errors
Hiring independent contractors can be vital to a company’s productivity and bottom line. Contractors often play a critical role in building small businesses, especially startups with limited employees...
View ArticleWhat are California’s meal break rules for employers?
California labor laws require companies to provide both exempt and nonexempt employees with a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break if they work at least five hours during a shift. Employers may be...
View ArticleIs my business open to all potential customers?
Most products, services and programs must be available to the entire population. Individuals with a disability may rely on a company’s accommodations. However, not all business owners are familiar with...
View ArticleThe new year will bring new limitations to NDAs
Non-disclosure agreements are standard company-employee contracts. However, employers must understand their limits in seeking protection. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) helps protect proprietary...
View ArticleHow specific can my job requisition be?
When you run a business, you often rely on staff members to help with daily operations. Finding candidates that meet your education and job experience qualifications may not be of concern, though you...
View ArticleThere’s no place like home for your holiday
With the holiday season in full swing, many people look forward to a certain amount of time off with family. However, in a diverse workforce, there is an excellent chance that the religious holiday you...
View ArticleWhat to know about employing minors
Most companies have at least a few minors on the payroll. While, in many businesses, a minor may be in an entry-level service position. In California, many minor employees are child actors and other...
View ArticleWhat will California minimum wage be in January 2022
The California minimum wage is set to increase on January 1st, 2022. For companies with over 26 or more employees, that wage will be $15.00 per hour. Businesses with fewer employees would have a base...
View ArticleWhat role do employers take in harassment issues between employees?
One of the worst situations for a company is when an employee brings harassment allegations against another employee. If handled poorly, the company may face penalties and litigation, so most employers...
View ArticleWorking with unions as an employer
One of the most challenging things for a business to grapple with is unionization. While there are many arguments for and against unions, collective bargaining can be a challenge for employers. To that...
View ArticleWhat is the likelihood of facing a wrongful termination suit?
Every manager and business owner knows that occasionally it is necessary to remove people from specific roles. This can mean reassigning them within the company, but often it means termination....
View ArticleUnderstanding California’s mediation process
Business disputes are extremely fraught, high-stakes problems. External disputes can cost you a great deal of time and money, and internal disputes threaten the very life of your company. Mediation can...
View ArticleA brief review of CIETAC
All businesses that work either in China or with Chinese companies know about the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). It is a major arbitration institution with the...
View ArticleChild labor abuses in California
In California, there are strict laws to protect minors’ health and safety and ensure that they have time for education and recreation. If you are a business owner with employees under the age of 18,...
View ArticleIs “role creep” making your workplace toxic?
“Role creep” is an informal term for a worker taking on additional duties over the course of their tenure in a given position. While giving additional duties is a sign of trust, employees can find...
View ArticleAre your papers in order?
When you decide to purchase a piece of commercial real estate, there are many considerations. Profit margins, projections and tax liabilities all are part of it, but the nuts and bolts of the purchase...
View ArticleDivided loyalties: conflicts of interest in civil representation
It is common for civil cases to have multiple defendants. There are many complicated reasons for this, often due to multiple parties having liability in a dispute. However, while it may seem helpful...
View ArticleA quick overview of California overtime law
California labor law strictly enforces overtime and will act on any sign that a company has not paid its employees properly. To understand exactly what your duties are to your employees, here are some...
View ArticleTrade secrets and your company
Your trade secrets may be one of your most important assets and a central part of your corporate strategy. It is a precious piece of intellectual property that you want to keep as secure as possible....
View ArticleWhat do you need to prove to defend your intellectual property?
When you believe another party has infringed on your intellectual property (IP), you must prove that the IP was yours in the first place and that the theft was not a “good faith” use. These two crucial...
View Article